At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, we believe that a changed heart is the foundation of a righteous life. Our mission, “Be the Change as Jesus Has Changed Us,” emphasizes the importance of transformation through Christ. Today, we explore the significance of a changed heart and how it sets the stage for a life of faith and righteousness.
The Call to Action
In Acts 2:38, Peter addresses the crowd on the day of Pentecost, saying, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” The people were moved, they believed, and they were called to action. Their lives were changed that day as the Holy Spirit came into their hearts.
The Importance of a Proper Start
A righteous life begins with the right start. Jesus Himself set the example by being baptized by John to fulfill all righteousness (Matthew 3:15). This act marked the beginning of His ministry and the amazing things that followed. Similarly, our journey of faith begins with repentance and baptism, symbolizing our commitment to a new life in Christ.
God’s Desire for Our Lives
God desires to show us the best way to live, and He sent Jesus to be our model and savior. Jesus knew who His Father was, yet He humbled Himself to be baptized, setting an example for us to follow. This act of obedience and humility is the starting point for a life of faith and righteousness.
The Role of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in our journey of faith. As we repent and are baptized, the Holy Spirit comes into our hearts, guiding and empowering us to live a righteous life. John 16:7 records Jesus saying, “Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.” The Holy Spirit is our helper, advocate, and guide, enabling us to live out our faith.
Living a Righteous Life
Living a righteous life requires a daily commitment to seek God’s kingdom and His righteousness. Matthew 6:33 reminds us, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” By prioritizing our relationship with God, we align our lives with His will and experience the fullness of His blessings.
The Journey of Faith
The journey of faith is not a sprint but a marathon. It takes time to rewire our old ways of thinking, acting, and speaking. However, with the Holy Spirit as our guide, we can make progress each day. Galatians 5:22-25 describes the fruit of the Spirit: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.”
Conclusion
At Lakeview Christian Church, we encourage you to start your journey of faith with a changed heart. Our mission, “Be the Change as Jesus Has Changed Us,” is lived out through “Just 3”: Study, Share, and Serve. By studying God’s Word, sharing the hope we have in Jesus, and serving others, we can live life to its fullest. Remember, you are not alone in this journey. The Holy Spirit is our guide and helper, empowering us to live a righteous life.
